I know. I know. Not many people will click on this thread because who on a Mario forum would care about FE. But to those of you who indeed ARE here I say welcome! In an attempt to reestablish something of a presence here I will be looking at some FE characters that I find interesting for you all to understand them better and maybe give y'all an image of them that's not "anime swordsmen".
Speaking of "anime swordsmen", our first character will not be one. If you know me well enough, you know who I'm talking about before anyone else, not only because of my humble appreciation of said character, but also to get them out of the way before getting into the more obscure stuff (obscure to you, that is). That being said, if you know any FE characters that you might wanna know more about, be sure to hit me up in a private message. I'll be sure to at least look into it.
I'll be working on these regularly, and each will most likely take a while to complete, so stay tuned for when I release my first analysis.
First on our list is, to no one's surprise, Fiora.
Fiora is a character who first appears in chapter 18 of The Blazing Blade on Eliwood mode (Chapter 19 on Hector mode). Right away, she speaks as though she has recently lost some friends.
"Look, everyone. Your sacrifices were not in vain. I'll fulfill our duty, even if I must do it myself. I am a true knight of Ilia!"
Fiora looks to be the last surviving member of said group. She enters the map as an NPC unit and must be talked to with her sister, Florina, in order to be recruited into the army.
Fiora is an elder sister among three, hailing from the destitute country of Ilia, a land constantly hounded by harsh weatherly conditions and long winters. The country's main source of income are its mercenaries, the majority of which are Pegasus Knights, an Cavaliers/Paladins for the males. Many are sent to battle at a young age due to such conditions, and not all have the fortune of being guided by their parents, be they dead or on the job.
Fiora has 7 support chains with seven different characters:
- Florina, her youngest sister.
- Farina, the middle sister.
- Eliwood, the main character in Eliwood mode.
- Kent, Commander of the knights of Caelin.
- Sain, Sub-Commander of the knights of Caelin.
- Geitz, a former sea merchant.
- Pent, Mage General of Etruria.
Of these supports, 3 end romantically, so we'll be going through these first.
Fiora / Eliwood
Eliwood: So, Fiora, have you gotten used to being in our ranks?
Fiora: Yes. Thank you, my lord. We mercenaries are quick to adapt to new commands.
Eliwood: Yes, you are of the Pegasus knights of Ilia, are you not? Seeing the way you fight, I can imagine their quality.
Fiora: Your praise is an honor. I will do my best not to betray your trust in my skills.
Eliwood: Please, don't worry about formalities with me. We are equals, fighting together for a common cause.
Fiora: Equals... But, my lord...
Eliwood: I like to think of everyone in this troop as a friend, regardless of standing, gender, or age. All are friends, and all are irreplaceable.
Fiora: ... ...
Eliwood: You seem surprised. "There goes another naïve lordling with his head in the clouds..." Something like that?
Fiora: No, never! But... I didn't imagine that a lordling of Lycia could think that way for long.
Eliwood: You speak the truth, of course. But what I said was no lie.
Fiora: Lord Eliwood! I... You see, I... Speaking personally, I like that way of thinking... I just do not believe it possible.
Eliwood: I'll take that as a compliment.
The C Support essentially serves as a way for the player to get more of a feel as to what Eliwood's character is like.
While this particular conversation gives more characterization for Eliwood than Fiora, with him being the main character and all, but from this alone we have a better idea of the type of person Fiora is.
"Eliwood: Yes, you are of the Pegasus knights of Ilia, are you not? Seeing the way you fight, I can imagine their quality.
Fiora: Your praise is an honor. I will do my best not to betray your trust in my skills."
As an Ilian mercenary, she takes her duty very seriously, and is one to uphold the image of her people.
"Eliwood: I like to think of everyone in this troop as a friend, regardless of standing, gender, or age. All are friends, and all are irreplaceable.
Fiora: ... ...
Eliwood: You seem surprised. "There goes another naïve lordling with his head in the clouds..." Something like that?"
She also has a pretty good understanding of how society works, judging by how she's taken by surprise upon Eliwood's claim that he cares about his troops. However, she sees it as a good thing, which is something that'll come to light in another support.
Eliwood: Fiora, tell me... You are Florina's elder sister, are you not?
Fiora: I am. She is a shy girl, always aware of other people's eyes. When she went off for her apprenticeship I worried and worried.
Eliwood: You are a good sister.
Fiora: I wish that were so.
Eliwood: You are both knights, yes? That's rare in Lycia.
Fiora: Yes, as children we decided that we would become Pegasus knights. I did not want to send my own child sister to war... But Ilia offered few options other than the mercenary way.
Eliwood: I see. My father once told me of your homeland, long ago. The ground of Ilia is covered year-round in the whitest snow, he said, and it is a harsh life for the people who live there. Yet because many Ilians turn to being mercenaries, they are looked down upon-- without reason-- by other lands.
Fiora: Yes... But there is nothing to be done about it. No matter how many tears we shed, the snow will not melt. Better to fight for my homeland and win honor that way, as a member of the Pegasus knights of Ilia.
Eliwood: Fiora, I can tell you have a strong sense of responsibility. But do not be too hard on yourself. Should you overwork yourself and fall, you will end up with nothing.
Fiora: Yes... I would say the same to you, Lord Eliwood.
Here we have a better look at Fiora's own character.
"Eliwood: Fiora, tell me... You are Florina's elder sister, are you not?
Fiora: I am. She is a shy girl, always aware of other people's eyes. When she went off for her apprenticeship I worried and worried.
Eliwood: You are a good sister.
Fiora: I wish that were so."
This is the first time Fiora's relationship to her sisters comes up, and to me, one of her defining traits. She lacks self-confidence. Although that last line here is a somewhat subtle hint, it will be something that comes up more in her other supports. She tries to embody the pride of the Pegasus Knights of Ilia, but deep down, she hides some serious insecurities that ultimately make her human. Her sister, Florina, is a shy girl, that much she knows, but what about herself?
"Eliwood: I see. My father once told me of your homeland, long ago. The ground of Ilia is covered year-round in the whitest snow, he said, and it is a harsh life for the people who live there. Yet because many Ilians turn to being mercenaries, they are looked down upon-- without reason-- by other lands.
Fiora: Yes... But there is nothing to be done about it. No matter how many tears we shed, the snow will not melt. Better to fight for my homeland and win honor that way, as a member of the Pegasus knights of Ilia."
Much like her shy sister Florina, Fiora is also aware of other people's eyes, knowing what others think of the Ilian mercenaries, and seemingly being uncomfortable because of that fact. However, she has the strength to shrug it off and focus on what needs to be done, regardless of her reputation, seeing how much is at stake. If she must fight and be looked down upon, the best she can do is fight to the best of her ability.
Eliwood: Fiora.
Fiora: Yes, Lord Eliwood?
Eliwood: I had a thought while watching you fight. I feared you may be working too hard. Resting is as important as fighting, remember.
Fiora: Thank you, my lord. But... I am a Pegasus knight of Ilia. When I think of the people of my homeland, I cannot but fight harder.
Eliwood: Still...
Fiora: My performance here reflects on all the knights of Ilia. The more tasks I complete, the bigger the reward I bring home, and the happier my people may live.
Eliwood: What about your happiness?
Fiora: What?
Eliwood: I know your homeland of Ilia is a poor land. And I know thoughts of your sister weigh heavily in your mind. But do not forget you have a right to happiness, too. Were you to become a sacrifice for your country... that would not do. No one would be happy, then.
Fiora: Lord Eliwood...
Eliwood: Forgive me, perhaps it is not my place. Still, watching you... I felt I had to say something. For someone as talented as yourself not to find happiness... Well, that would be the greatest tragedy of all.
Fiora: ... ... I must admit... That is the first time anyone has ever said something like that to me. ... ...
Eliwood: ... ...
Fiora: But...let us not linger here overlong.
Eliwood: Yes... Yes, of course.
Fiora: I beg your leave.
Eliwood: Ah, wait a moment. Fiora!
Fiora: Yes?
Eliwood: I would like you to stay nearby, by my side. So that I can... So that I may protect you.
Fiora: Lord Eliwood... Yes, I... I understand.
This conversarion opens up with a reminder that Fiora is, at the end of the day, a hard-worked who focuses on her job more than anything else, and never lets external matters get in the way, despite everything -ranging from her sisters, people's judgemental eyes, her country's situation- being like a burden on her. With this support alone, we have established that Fiora is a strong-willed woman with inner weaknesses that never show.
When Eliwood confronts Fiora about how hard she works, she insists that it is for the greater good, but Eliwood replies with this:
"Forgive me, perhaps it is not my place. Still, watching you... I felt I had to say something. For someone as talented as yourself not to find happiness... Well, that would be the greatest tragedy of all."
Eliwood finally opens Fiora's eyes to her own well-being. All this time she's been so determined to see her task done and her homeland saved that she's forgotten to see where she fits in all this, being blind to the happiness (which she deserves very much) she's been missing out on.
For this reason alone, I consider Eliwood probably Fiora's best romance option (although the prospect of Fiora being Roy's mother doesn't quite sit well with me so I never actually go out of my way to get them together), as it allows her to finally, truly earn her reward for all the hard work she's been putting in.
Too bad Roy's mother is also fucking dead by the time Binding Blade happens so I'm still keeping Fiora away from the former's dad
Next up on the list is Sain, a knight of Caelin (one of the lands of Lycia) who serves under Lyn.
Fiora / Sain
Sain: Oh...! You are the Fiora I have heard so much about! You are even...three times lovelier than I had heard!
Fiora: I'm sorry? How do you know my name?
Sain: Oh, but my dear... I have memorized the names of every woman in this army!
Fiora: ...... I am Fiora, of the Ilian knights. May we fight with honor.
Sain: I am Sain, of the Caelin knights! That's S-A-I-N. Do not forget, my lovely!
Fiora: Right. Nice to meet you...
Sain: Lady Fiora! Please, be at ease... I will protect you with all the strength and courage in my heart!
Fiora: ......
Sain: Now come closer, don't be shy!
Fiora: Please forgive me if I abstain. And I am capable of defending myself, thank you. Now if you will...
Sain: Ahh...!? Fiora! Fly away from me if you must! But to shine so beautifully as you go! How cruel, my love! How cruel!
First off, it is important to note that this support is probably the least contributing to Fiora's character, as Sain is characterized as a hammy buffoon who seeks romance, so Fiora is essentially one of the girls who were picked for him on hit on, basically. Nevertheless, it does give us some rather uptight, sassy Fiora moments, the latter of which being a side we don't get to see often in Fiora, in all honesty. The C Support is just the two meeting for the first time.
Sain: Fiora!
Fiora: ...Sain.
Sain: Yes, it is I! Your knight and protector, Sain!
Fiora: How...unexpected that we should meet again...
Sain: Unexpected? Surely you mean destined! Don't you, fair Fiora?
Fiora: Sain, I can fight on my own. So, if you don't mind...
Sain: That will not do, fair lady! For I am bound to... ...to...to...... ......
Fiora: Hm? Are you all right? ...Are you injured?
Sain: It is nothing! I am always the very picture of health!
Fiora: Enough of that! Just let me... Oh! Your forehead is burning! Have you been fighting like this all day?
Sain: I am fine! I can overcome this with sheer willpower!
Fiora: You should rest... Look, just lay down here...
Sain: B-But I can't!! I can still stand and fight!
Fiora: Don't be a fool. Look at you...
Sain: But... I have promised you. I must protect you!
Fiora: What...?
Sain: It is the duty of all knights to protect women! In the face of that duty, this ailment is but a blush! ......
Fiora: ...Sain? Sain, wake up!
Sain: Ah, I see...fields of flowers...
The B Support gives us more funny Sain lines, and more of Fiora trying to rebuke him. Sain passes out in the middle of displaying his passion however and Fiora starts showing concerns for him. Sain looks more like a reckless fool now while Fiora's caring side starts showing.
Sain: Fiora!
Fiora: Sain... You look much better now...
Sain: How could I not? Your love has brought me from the brink of death!
Fiora: You know, I think I liked you better near the brink of death... But...at least I have confirmed that you are indeed a knight.
Sain: You have? Then, darling, come closer! Let this humble knight protect you with all his passion and love!
Fiora: ...I think I shall pass. I think being at your side presents its own, unique dangers...
Sain: Ah, my dear, you cut me deeply! But lovely Fiora...you have flown into my heart! Ulp! Where do you find such embarrassing things to say?
The A support concludes the chain by giving us a few more lines indicating that Fiora has indeed warmed up to Sain after his "knightly display" the other time, but still takes the first opportunity she has to leave as soon as he's feeling better. One things is certain, though, Fiora is a gentle soul who hates seeing people in an undesirable state, something she has no doubt developed due to her growing up in a place where she's surrounded by people living under harsh conditions.
Despite how this support ends, Fiora and Sain do end up getting married in the epilogue if this supprt is viewed, and character-wise this is probably her worst pairing option, not that the conversations themselves are bad by any means. It just does the least service to Fiora's character and is only really here for comic relief, and everyone loves Sain shenanigans either way.
Next up, is Sain's partner in crime himself, Kent, the red cavalier to Sain's green cavalier.
Fiora / Kent
This support chain is the last of Fiora's romantic ones, and quality-wise it's the middle ground. It's a pretty simple support but it does its job quite well, I suppose.
Fiora: Are you Kent? It's nice to meet you!
Kent: Forgive my rudeness, but who are you?
Fiora: I am Fiora, the pegasus knight. You have been looking after my sister. Allow me to thank you.
Kent: Oh, yes... When we were in Caelin, Florina spoke of you often...
Fiora: Oh, what did she say?
Kent: That you...were a lot like me.
Fiora: Oh... In what regard?
Kent: Well... I'm not really sure... I just remember her saying it. Well, Fiora. It is an honor. Let us fight together and ride on to victory.
Fiora: Yes, let's. I think that, together, we can fulfill any duty.
Already into the C Support, Kent and Fiora already seem to be demonstrating some pretty nice chemistry. There's nothing to really tear apart here so let's move on to B.
Kent: Fiora. I must speak to you...
Fiora: Kent, what a coincidence. I was just looking for you...
Kent: Actually, it's about this army... Do you ever feel that some here lack proper moral grounding?
Fiora: Yes, the same thought has occurred to me. As a hired lance, I thought it not my place to speak.
Kent: Camaraderie in the field is one thing... But the men and women in the camp are altogether too...intimate...
Fiora: Indeed. Their minds are not focused on their duties...
Kent: It is a problem.
Fiora: A problem indeed.
Kent: I have decided to seek the counsel of Lady Lyndis in this matter. Perhaps she could issue some order limiting...interactions between the sexes...
Fiora: That is a good idea. It would be the best way to ensure the proper conduct of all.
Kent: Of course, we would still need to iron out the details of such an order... I hope you would not mind lending me your assistance...
Fiora: Oh, but of course. It might be difficult to find time to discuss this on the battlefield. Perhaps later, when we can be alone...
Kent: Yes, of course. I would be truly grateful to have the company of a morally pure individual like yourself...
Fiora: Indeed. I feel exactly the same.
Kent and Fiora continue to demonstrate how well they mesh together in their B Support. Although we had established Fiora as a somewhat shy girl already, she looks absolutely confident and is perfectly able to talk to Kent with ease. What's more, they agree to every single thing they say to each other.
"Kent: Actually, it's about this army... Do you ever feel that some here lack proper moral grounding?
Fiora: Yes, the same thought has occurred to me. As a hired lance, I thought it not my place to speak.
Kent: Camaraderie in the field is one thing... But the men and women in the camp are altogether too...intimate...
Fiora: Indeed. Their minds are not focused on their duties...
Kent: It is a problem.
Fiora: A problem indeed."
Again, this support doesn't have too much to dissect, but it is interesting to know that while Fiora can be a little awkward in her social life or personal matters, when it comes to talking business, she's very much in her element. Being a Pegasus Knight of some renown, it's easy to picture Fiora having experience in the field of battle and in whatever concerns "code of conduct" and whatnot. Needless to say seeing two sticklers interact together in such a way is somewhat funny.
Fiora: Kent.
Kent: Fiora.
Fiora: I...
Kent: You...
Fiora: ...... Forgive me.
Kent: No, it is I who should apologize...
Fiora: I...
Kent: We... ......Why don't you go first.
Fiora: No, please, you first.
Kent: Well, then... Fiora, please stay with me. When you are near, I feel as if I fight more bravely, more keenly... I think we would fight well together... What do you say?
Fiora: Actually... I came to ask you the same thing...
Kent: Really?
Fiora: Yes. It's strange, isn't it? I feel as if we have known each other from birth.
Kent: Fiora... I must ask you one more thing. When this battle ends, if we both still live...
Fiora: Please...say no more. I...already know what you will ask... Of course. I feel the same way.
Kent: Really? I am glad... But...about that policy I suggested... What should we do?
Fiora: Well... Perhaps... It can wait...
This support is the culmination of Kent and Fiora's uncannily good chemistry. Ironically, both start the conversation rather shyly, a contrast to how professional they sounded in their B Support, almost as if their true selves are now talking to each other. While it's funny that the two most stuck-up people in the army find themselves in this situation that they tried to prevent and it is kinda cute for shippers, I personally also find it really telling for both characters'... character. Although the game never provides such a thing for Kent, we know that Fiora had a horrible past/childhood in having to become a Pegasus Knight at a young age to save herself and her family, or what's left of it anyway. Once again, Fiora's upstanding image is shattered by her internal struggles confined within the darkest depths of her being. This, combined with the circumstances of how she came to end up in the army, kinda apints a clear picture of what Fiora's thinking here.
Fiora still suffers from survivor's guilt because of what happened to her unit prior to joining Eliwood's company. She feels horrible about it and carries this failure like a burden, despite her efforts to get over it. Getting close to her new comrades, while an attractive prospect, may end in the exact same way. Although she might be easily convinced by Florina to join the army, she probably was reluctant in doing so deep down. Recall how we also saw this in the Eliwood support:
"All this time she's been so determined to see her task done and her homeland saved that she's forgotten to see where she fits in all this, being blind to the happiness (which she deserves very much) she's been missing out on."
My take on this is that Fiora feels like she doesn't deserve to have people she can hold close to her heart. She just lost a squad of her friends and is afraid it might happen again once she makes new ones. The only soul who was able to steer her in the right direction was her own kid sister. Now that's she's speaking to Kent, a man she sees in high regard, about something intimate, she is reminded of all that sorrow that brought her here in the first place, causing her to quickly lose her composure. Now I'm starting to think Kent himself must've lived through some tragedy at some point too, but that's something we will never know. Only after Kent gets his feelings out does Fiora really feel confident again.
"Kent: We... ......Why don't you go first.
Fiora: No, please, you first.
Kent: Well, then... Fiora, please stay with me. When you are near, I feel as if I fight more bravely, more keenly... I think we would fight well together... What do you say?
Fiora: Actually... I came to ask you the same thing..."
And even then she doesn't sound too sure of herself anyway...
We've dwelled on this support for quite some time now, and it is time we hop on to her non-romantic ones. Although we've been able to uncover a lot about Fiora already I can assure you, this is only the beginning. And also the basis for everything else we will be looking at.
